Washington D.C., September 16, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Washington D.C. gathered to honor the memory of six members of the local community who perished in the 9/11 attacks. D.C. Public Schools hosted a tribute that highlighted the lives of three young students and three dedicated educators. This annual remembrance resonated with attendees, emphasizing the need to reflect on the past while fostering hope for the future.
Washington D.C.: A Day to Remember and Reflect
Every year, the residents of Washington D.C. come together to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This year marked a significant milestone as D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) organized a heartfelt tribute to honor six cherished members of their community who lost their lives in the attacks 24 years ago. This gathering was not just a solemn reminder of the horrors of that day but also a celebration of the lives and legacies of those who are still remembered fondly.
Honoring the Heroes
Among the dearly departed were three bright-eyed students: Asia Cottom, Bernard Brown, and Rodney Dickens. Each was only 11 years old and had their futures ahead of them. Asia was a new face at Backus Middle School when tragedy struck. Her passion and potential were evident in her father’s role as a coach and classroom aide at her school. On the other hand, Bernard was a student at Leckie Elementary and had a hustle for that orange basketball dream, always keeping his teachers engaged with his lively spirit. Meanwhile, diligent Rodney, attending Ketcham Elementary School, was known for his hard work and dedication, proudly earning a spot on the honor roll and having a soft spot for professional wrestling.
In addition to the young students were three devoted educators: Hilda Taylor, James Debeuneure, and Sarah Clark. Ms. Taylor, a sixth-grade teacher from Leckie Elementary, hailed from Sierra Leone and was committed to giving her students the best opportunities possible. Mr. Debeuneure, a father of three and a beloved fifth-grade teacher, was well-regarded for his strong work ethic—making sure to be the first one in and the last one out of the classroom. Mrs. Clark, who had devoted her life to teaching since 1965, was engaged during her time of passing and had raised two children of her own.
Commemorating Their Memories
In a heartfelt gesture, DCPS took to their official Meta account to share memories of these remarkable individuals, ensuring that their spirits continue to inspire others. This yearly remembrance was not limited to D.C., as Americans across the nation took a moment to reflect and hold ceremonies, acknowledging the loss of nearly 3,000 lives that fateful day.
The tragic events unfolded swiftly on 9/11, starting with the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center being struck at 8:46 AM and 9:03 AM, respectively. Both towers collapsed within a few hours, leading to unspeakable loss and heartache. United Airlines Flight 93, bravely thwarted from reaching its target due to the heroic actions of its passengers, crashed in Pennsylvania at 10:03 AM.
In memory of the victims, schools have created special memorials, including a banner and a stained-glass tribute at Leckie Elementary and a dedicated “9/11 room” at Ketcham Elementary. These touching tributes serve as constant reminders of resilience and growth for future generations.
Legacy of Hope and Healing
As time passes, the impacts of that tragic day linger on. Retired teacher Estella Cleveland, who shared a close bond with Hilda Taylor, conveyed that their spirits remain alive in the hearts of many—a sentiment that resonates with those who were touched by their kindness. Jalin Debeuneure, daughter of James Debeuneure, continues to reflect on her beloved father’s legacy. She has transformed her grief into motivation, encouraging others through her inspiring journey and promoting the values of hope and healing.
𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 distinguishes them not only as individuals but as essential parts of a timeline that reminds us to cherish one another and to pursue our dreams, even amidst adversity.
FAQ Section
What significant event does this tribute commemorate?
This tribute commemorates the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on September 11, 2001, honoring six members of the D.C. Public Schools community who lost their lives.
Who were the victims recognized during the tribute?
The victims included students Asia Cottom, Bernard Brown, and Rodney Dickens, as well as teachers Hilda Taylor, James Debeuneure, and Sarah Clark.
How did D.C. Public Schools honor the victims?
D.C. Public Schools shared memories and tributes through their official social media account, and have established memorials, including a banner and stained-glass memorial, in schools.
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Additional Resources
- Afro: DCPS Remembers 9/11 Victims
- The Grio: Honoring the Six D.C. Public School Victims
- BET: Remembering the Young Lives Lost on 9/11
- WUSA9: DCPS Remembers Students and Teachers Lost on 9/11
- Wikipedia: September 11 Attacks
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
